Changing Elementary Students' Environmental-Based Attitudes Using an Outdoor Learning Experience: Watershed Investigations

The Learning Team at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa received funding in 2014 to create and conduct a long-term outdoor learning experience for Hillsborough County, Florida, fifth-grade students. The program was designed with four parts to optimize students' experiences in their local watershed, including both classroom and field activities. This study examined learning gains and trends in student attitudes related to watershed topics. Via pre- and post-assessment, data suggests that students increased their knowledge through this program, and their attitudes became more positive about being able to effect change regarding climate change but not as much when it came to their confidence that they could make an impact on their local waterways. This study provides a strong example of how an informal learning environment can improve knowledge and attitudes of elementary students through an outdoor experience.